By Morning Sun Sports Former Central Michigan University offensive lineman Darren Keyton, who started 36 games with the Chippewas, has been signed by the Detroit Lions to a free agent contract.

After turning eyes during a tryout this past weekend at the Lions’ rookie mini-camp, Detroit signed Keyton to a contract.

Keyton becomes the fourth player from Central Michigan’s 2012 roster to be signed by an NFL team. Offensive tackle Eric Fisher went No. 1 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs, while safety Jahleel Addae (San Diego Chargers) and wide receiver Cody Wilson (Detroit Lions) also signed free agent contracts.

Starting at right guard all 13 games in 2012, Keyton was a key reason the Central Michigan offense reeled off an average of 6.2 yards per play which was good for second in the Mid-American Conference. He was a strong run blocker and opened holes consistently for running back Zurlon Tipton who rushed for 1,492 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Keyton also played center during his CMU career.

“When you’re an interior offensive lineman, that’s an important thing,” Lions’ head coach Jim Schwartz was quoted as saying in a story on detroitlions.com. “You have to have the flexibility to play guard or center.Typically, you take seven offensive linemen into a game, so somebody’s got to play center if your center gets hurt. Usually, it’s one of your guards or your back up. But the more you can with stuff like that, the better.”

Keyton was the 2012 Central Michigan Upfront Co-Payer of the Year, sharing it with Fisher.